FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA OFFICE

313 Park Avenue, Suite 100A
Falls Church, VA 22046

703-516-7600

WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA OFFICE

14908 Richmond Highway
Woodbridge, VA 22191

703-560-9583

SAEED MAREFAT, MD, FACS

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Muscular Implants For Men

Calf Implants For Men In Virginia

Muscle implants are used for enlarging or improving the shape of the chest, arms, or legs. The usual indication for this procedure is a man who has small and underdeveloped muscles in the arms or legs and wants to enhance the shape of the extremity. In men, muscle implants have also been used for enhancing the shape of the chest by augmenting the pectoral muscles. In certain cases, it is possible to place fat in order to shape and sculpt a part of the extremity. Autologous tissues (your own body's fat and skin) are used in certain cases where the person may not require firmness in the muscle. If you want to have certain areas firm, then the only choice would be to place a muscle implant.

The purpose of the operation is to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the extremity or chest and to improve the proportions of the area compared to the rest of the body. Often, this improves one's self esteem and psychological wellbeing. This surgery is not a replacement for exercising and body building. You should continue to work on your own to improve the muscle shape as much as you can. However, in certain cases, the individual cannot increase the size of that muscle no matter how much he or she tries. In such cases, muscle implants give the person a way to improve the shape of the extremity.

The operation is usually done with the patient under general anesthesia. This method of anesthesia is in the best interest of the patient in terms of the comfort and the ease with which the procedure is performed. The implant is placed either under or over the muscle. Dr. Marefat places extremity implants over the muscle. In pectoral implants, it may be better to place the implant at least partially under the muscle.

You should expect a moderate degree of swelling and discoloration for 1-2 weeks after surgery. The expected postoperative recovery would be approximately 1 week during which time you should limit your activities and try to rest as much as possible. The first 2-3 days are likely to be the most uncomfortable for you with a moderate degree of pain, which is easily relieved with oral pain medications. After 3-4 days, you should be able to attend to minor activities and go on short walks. By the 5th or 6th day, you should be able to return to work. The majority of our Virginia patients return to work within a week. Although some patients feel good enough to exercise in the 2nd week, most do not resume their normal exercise routine until the 3rd or 4th week.

What are muscle implants?

Muscle implants are used for enlarging or improving the shape of the arms or legs. The usual indication for this procedure is a man or a woman who has small and underdeveloped muscles in the arms or legs and wants to enhance the shape of the extremity. In men, muscle implants have also been used for enhancing the shape of the chest by augmenting the pectoral muscle.

What alternatives are there for muscle implants?

In certain cases, it is possible to place fat in order to shape and sculpt a part of the extremity. Autologous tissues (your own body's fat and skin) are generally used in cases where firmness in the muscle is not required. However, if you want to have certain areas firm, then the only choice would be to place a muscle implant.

What do muscle implants accomplish?

The purpose of the operation is to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the extremity or chest and to improve the proportions of the area as compared to the rest of the body. Often, this improves one's self esteem and psychological wellbeing. This surgery is not a replacement for exercising and body building. You should continue to work on your own muscle shape as much as you can. However, in certain cases, the individual cannot increase the size of that muscle no matter how much he or she tries. In such cases, muscle implants give the person a way to improve the shape of the extremity.

What happens during the first consultation for muscle implant surgery in Virginia?

In the first consultation, you will have a chance to discuss your concerns with our patient care coordinators and Dr. Marefat. We will explain what you need to know about your procedure and help to determine what is best for you. You will receive information booklets and pricing on the procedure.

How is muscle implant surgery done?

The operation is usually done with the patient under general anesthesia. This method of anesthesia is in the best interest of the patient in terms of the comfort and the ease with which the procedure is performed. The implant is placed either under or over the muscle. Dr. Marefat places extremity implants over the muscle. In pectoral implants, it may be better to place the implant at least partially under the muscle.

What can I expect after muscle implant surgery?

You should expect a moderate degree of swelling and discoloration for 1-2 weeks after surgery. The expected postoperative recovery would be approximately 1 week during which time you should limit your activities and try to rest as much as possible. The first 2-3 days are likely to be the most uncomfortable for you with a moderate degree of pain, which is easily relieved with oral pain medications. After 3-4 days, you should be able to attend to minor activities around the house and go on short walks. By the 5th or 6th day, you should be able to return to work. The majority of patients return to work within a week. Although some patients feel good enough to exercise in the 2nd week, most do not resume their normal exercise routine until the 3rd or 4th week.

What size muscle implants should I choose?

You should choose a size that is suitable to your body and that you think is right for you. Many patients come to the doctor's office and say that they want more definition in the shape of the arm, leg, or chest. However, you must know that larger size does not necessarily result in better definition. Definition in shape is as much determined by the thinness of the layer of fat under the skin. However, we can place the largest implant that would make the shape of the arm or leg look more muscular without looking artificial.

What risks are involved with muscle implant surgery?

This operation is one of the safest operations we perform. However, like any surgery, there are risk factors associated with this operation. Dr. Marefat generally discusses what to expect with his patients in their second consultation prior to surgery. You should understand that complications are extremely rare and are not a deterrent to surgery for most people.

A complete list of possible side effects and complications will be provided to you when you schedule your surgery. You should talk to Dr. Marefat for more information about each of these possible risks.

What about risk of connective tissue disease and arthritis with muscle implants?

The rare and unsubstantiated risk of connective tissue disorders, such as arthritis, relates to silicone gel implants, and you should not worry about this with solid silicone implants. 

When are the sutures removed?

Sutures are generally removed 2 weeks after surgery.

How many visits do I have after muscle implant surgery in Virginia?

We like to see our patients frequently after surgery. You are seen by the doctor or nurse at our Virginia offices within 2-3 days of surgery. Then, the normal postoperative routine is 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Of course, if there is a need, you may be seen more often. After the first year, we encourage our patients to come in for routine follow-up visits every 3-5 years.

When can I cover my muscle implant bruises with makeup?

You should be able to put makeup on the bruises after the first week. However, we do not recommend putting makeup on your incisions until they have completely healed. This may result in tattooing of the skin by the pigments of the makeup.

Will insurance cover costs for future problems with my muscle implants?

Most insurance carriers may not cover you for problems related to the muscle implants since they were placed for aesthetic reasons. You should have no problems, however, in obtaining coverage for the conditions affecting the extremities unrelated to the implant surgery.

Am I a good candidate for muscle implant surgery?

The best candidate for this surgery is a person who has small and underdeveloped muscles. Those who have very asymmetrical arms or legs are also good candidates. Generally, the younger you are, the better a candidate you are for cosmetic surgery. A person’s physiological age is more important than his chronological age. That is to say, you may be 60 years old, but your skin and general health may be better than that of most 50 year olds.

How do I pay for muscle implant surgery in Virginia?

You can pay for surgery by certified check, credit card, or cash. Payment for cosmetic surgery is expected prior to any procedure. If you are scheduled for surgery several weeks in advance, you may pay by personal check.

Are there scars from muscle implant surgery?

Yes. But these scars usually heal very well and become almost imperceptible after several months. We generally place the incisions in hidden folds of the body so that they are not readily seen.

Is muscle implant surgery painful?

Yes. However, the pain involved in muscle implants is very tolerable. We have heard our patients describe it as muscle aches and pains or just soreness. Dr. Marefat likes to inject the area with a long-lasting anesthetic solution that significantly reduces the pain in the first few days after surgery. Many patients do not finish the pain medications prescribed to them for pain relief. Having said that, remember that pain is very subjective, and it is not easy to predict what degree of pain you will have.

Will I be awake during muscle implant surgery?

No. Dr. Marefat performs this procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. If there are risk factors related to your health for having general anesthesia, we can sometimes do this procedure using heavy sedation. If you are just having a small touch-up procedure that can be done in our Virginia office, then you will be awake. However, if you are having a large revisional procedure or multiple changes made to your implant, you will most likely have your surgery in an outpatient facility under general anesthesia.

Where will the muscle implant surgery be performed in Virginia?

The surgery is done in an ambulatory surgery center in Virginia. Dr. Marefat does not do this operation in the office. The surgery center provides a safe environment without the inconveniences of a busy hospital operating room.

Are medical photographs taken?

Yes. In all cosmetic and reconstructive cases, medical photos are taken. Photographs are mandatory. This is the only way for us to compare your status before the procedure to your results. Photographs in plastic surgery serve much the same role that x-rays serve for orthopedic surgery.

How do I get started with muscular implants in Virginia?

Dr. Marefat and the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery would be happy to help you set up a private consultation to discuss muscular implants in Virginia. Schedule an appointment online or call one of our locations at 703-516-7600 (Arlington area) or at 703-560-9583 (Woodbridge).

Are there financing options for muscular implants in Virginia?

Dr. Marefat offers a number of financial assistance programs and payment programs to cover the cost of muscular implants in Virginia. Please visit the patient financing section of our website for more details or ask the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery about these options so that you can get started with muscular implants in Virginia today.